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enHull, Panathinaikos pay UEFA fines over FFPHull City and Panathinaikos are among four clubs to have paid UEFA fines for breachingFinancial Fair Play regulations, while Liverpool andSparta Prague have been cleared.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/hull-and-panathinaikos-among-four-clubs-pay-ffp-fines
Hull,Panathinaikos, Israeli clubHapoel Tel-Aviv and Polish outfitRuch Chorzow were all under investigation by theClub Financial Control Body (CFCB).
UEFA revealed on Friday that Hull have coughed up €200,000, with an additional €400,000 to be paid if they fail to achieve measuresset by the CFCB.
Panathinaikos have paid an unconditional sum of €200,000 and, like the other three clubs in question, will be subject to ongoing monitoring.
Hapoel and Ruch were fined the same amount as the Greek side.
UEFA revealed that Liverpool and Sparta have satisfied break-even requirements following the submission of additional financial information, but both clubs will still be monitored.
Levski Sofia and Trabzonspor, who bothsigned settlement agreements last May, complied with the terms set out to them andhave exited the settlement regime.
Russian sides Dinamo Moscow andLokomotiv Moscow are now under investigation after their financial reports for the past three years were submitted.
news_articleFri, 27 Feb 2015 16:51:51 +0000351966 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comUEFA backs decision to move 2022 World CupThe recommendation of a FIFA task force to move the 2022 Qatar World Cup to November and December has been backed by UEFA.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/uefa-backs-decision-move-2022-world-cup
The announcement was made on Tuesday followinga six-month consultation process, which came afterfears had been raised over the risks of playing the tournament in the country's summer months, when temperatures reach around 40 degrees centigrade.
A switch of dates is likely to cause considerable disruption to domestic competitions across Europe, but UEFA is in full support of the decision.
"UEFA supports the recommendation made by the FIFA task force for the International Match Calendar 2018-24 to stage the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar from late November to late December 2022," a statement read.
"UEFA believes that - for the benefits of players and fans - the event should be played in winter and now awaits the final decision from the FIFA Executive Committee meeting on 18/19 March 2015.
"UEFA sees no major issues in rescheduling its competitions for the 2022/23 season, should the 2022 FIFA World Cup proposal be approved by the FIFA Executive Committee, and UEFA acknowledges that the competition may be shortened and thus that the release period of players be reduced."
The decision is expected to be confirmed at the next meeting of the FIFA executive committee, which will take place in Zurich on March 19 and 20.
news_articleTue, 24 Feb 2015 10:44:19 +0000349939 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comBlatter: UEFA does not have courage to challengeSepp Blatter says UEFA does not have the courage to nominate a candidate to run against him in the upcoming FIFA presidential elections.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/uefa-does-not-have-courage-run-against-me-blatter
Europe's governing body hasbeen highly critical of the way Blatter – who has been FIFA president since 1998 – runs the world gameand, following the controversy around the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, hassuggested he should not put himself forward for a fifth term in office.
Former FIFA secretary Jerome Champagne, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordanand former Newcastle United winger David Ginola are all expected tochallenge Blatter in the elections, but UEFA hasyet to confirm whether itwill nominate a candidate to stand.
And Blatter does not expect UEFA president Michel Platini to make a decision before Thursday's deadline, saying the governing body lacks the nerve to back up itscriticism with decisive action.
"It is impossible to please everyone," the 78-year-old told CNN. "I have been asked by the national associations to be our candidate again because nobody that is strong was in.
"They [UEFA] want to get rid of me. Then they should come [and challenge me].
"All this opposition is coming now it's unfortunate to say, it's coming from Nyon, from UEFA.
"They don't have the courage to come in. So let me go [on] - be respectful."
Blatter remains defiant that he can win another election and continue his work with FIFA.
He added: "I have to say I have not finished my mission because it's a mission to be in football.
"We have started in 2011 with the reform process. The reform process is not over. I would like to have these four years to finish it and to show that football is more than a game.
"Football is a team sport. Let's go together with the team.
"I invite the confederation of UEFA and especially the leaders of UEFA that are so bitterly attacking me: join! Join! Football is a unity. And we need this unity in this world.
"It's not my first battle for the presidency. I still have the conviction and I believe in myself and I believe in football."
news_articleMon, 26 Jan 2015 09:10:51 +0000331252 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comPlatini out to end footballs murky politicsUEFA president Michel Platini hopes 2015 will see football spared some of the negative headlines it endured this year.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/platini-out-end-footballs-murky-politics
Football's global governing body FIFA has been embroiled in a series of controversies surrounding the awarding of the World Cups to Qatar and Russia in 2018 and 2022 respectively.
FIFA's Executive Committee eventuallyconfirmed it would publish in full Michael Garcia's430-page report into the bidding processes for the tournaments after heavy pressure from both inside and outsidethe game.
Former United StatesattorneyGarciaresigned from his position as independent chairman of the Investigatory Chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee in December.
Platini has also been involved in another issue regarding Qatar 2022 - stating the competition must be held around the midway mark of domestic European campaigns - with debate continuing over the prospects of playing in thelikely sweltering temperatures in Qatar.
The France greatused his end-of-year message to call for the sport to ditch the negative press that it has suffered in 2014.
"I wish that UEFA and all of its stakeholders can continue to work together to develop and protect our beautiful game," Platinisaid.
"I also sincerely hope football can make headlines around the world for moments of magic on the field rather than for the murky politics off it.
"I pledge to lead the way to make sure UEFA continues to set the standard for excellence and transparency in governance.
"Anything less than that, in our competitions and administration, is unacceptable."
news_articleWed, 31 Dec 2014 14:17:12 +0000314940 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comCommission rejects FFP challenge by agentBelgian agent Daniel Striani has lost his legal challenge against UEFAs Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/commission-rejects-ffp-challenge
The rules - aimed at encouraging Europe's top clubs to break even - were challenged by Striani last year, but the European Commission (EC) informed him of its intention to reject the appeal in May.
A letter sent to Striani, who argued that the regulations would restrict investment in clubs and limitplayers’ wage and transfer fee inflation,pointed out that the regulations applied to clubs rather than agents and that he had no legitimate interest in challenging them.
UEFA president called for the European Union to back the FFP regulationsin an October speech.
And though Striani has made a number of submissions to the Commission with a view to getting FFP rules changes, he has been unsuccessful once again.
In its conclusion, the ECsaid: "The Commission, in its discretion to set priorities... concludes that there are insufficient grounds for carrying out a further investigation into the alleged infringement(s) and consequently rejects your complaint.
"Regarding your claim that the break-even requirement infringes Articles 45 TFEU(free movement of workers), 56 TFEU (free movement of services) and 63 TFEU (free movement of capital), the Commission does not intend to investigate these further.
Striani is permitted to challenge the decision at the General Court of the European Union.
news_articleMon, 29 Dec 2014 11:05:57 +0000313583 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comUEFA chief Platini calls for Blatter departureUEFA president Michel Platini believes it is time for FIFA counterpart Sepp Blatter to stand down.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/platini-calls-blatter-departure
Blatter was first elected to the role in 1998 and has successfully retained his position for five successive terms.
However, Platini says the image of football's global governing body has been tarnished and would like to see a fresh face assume the reins.
"I supported him in 1998 because I think he was the right person," he told Europe 1. "After five terms, it's time to have some fresh air and make room for someone else.
"I think the image of FIFA is very, very, very bad and that is why he must stop."
Platini announced earlier this year that he would not challenge Blatter for the presidency, leaving Jerome Champagne as the 78-year-old'sonly current opponent for next year's election.
news_articleTue, 09 Dec 2014 11:36:14 +0000302356 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comUEFA plans approved for new Nations LeagueThe format and schedule for the UEFA Nations League has been finalised at a meeting in Nyon on Thursday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/uefa-nations-league-plans-approved
UEFA initially announced its plans for the international competition in March as a way of replacing a number of friendly dates.
The Nations League will see 54 teams compete in four divisions based on strength, with countries further divided into groups that will alter based on promotions and relegations.
In each division, four group winners are promoted and the four bottom sides relegated, while the four group winners in the top division will qualify forEuro 2020.
TheNations League will be played from September to November 2018, with UEFA stating the tournament will serve as an ideal replacement for some international friendly dates.
"The key driver of the UEFA Nations League is sporting integrity, as member associations, coaches, players and supporters increasingly feel that friendly internationals are not providing adequate sporting competition," the organisation said in a statement.
"In addition, the competition will help UEFA realise its stated goal of improving the quality and standing of national team football while maintaining the balance between club and international football.
"The competition will establish the UEFA Nations League champions every odd year while also allowing all nations to play competitively at their level."
news_articleThu, 04 Dec 2014 18:48:38 +0000299520 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comUEFA set to sanction Galatasaray, AnderlechtGalatasaray face disciplinary proceedings following incidents at this weeks UEFA Youth League clash against Anderlecht in Belgium.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/galatasaray-and-anderlecht-face-disciplinary-proceedings
The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body will convene next Thursday to decide what action to take after fireworks and objects were thrown during a matchat the Van Roystadion.
An illicit banner was also held up as theGroup D encounter,which the home side won 2-0 on Tuesday, was in progress.
Anderlecht also face disciplinary proceedings on December 11 due to stairs being blocked in the senior team's 2-0 Champions League Group D victory on Wednesday.
Objects were also thrown during the home side's victory, which ensured they secured a EuropaLeague place at the expense of the Turkish side.
news_articleThu, 27 Nov 2014 18:08:56 +0000294993 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comFour clubs face UEFA probe over financesUEFA has confirmed it will continue looking into various financial issues at Bursaspor, FK Ekranas, CFR Cluj and Astra Giurgiu.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/four-clubs-face-uefa-investigation-regarding-overdue-payables
Decisions from the UEFA Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) Investigatory Chamber are due by the end of the year, with the four clubs to be investigated for overdue payables.
Acting chief investigatorUmberto Lago is to lead matters, with37 clubs havingoriginally been asked to submit further information regarding anyoverdue payables towards other clubs andemployees as well associal/tax authorities.
Bursaspor, Ekranas, Cluj and Astra will now be investigated further as part of UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations.
"The UEFA Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) Investigatory Chamber, headed by the acting chief investigator Umberto Lago, has announced that four clubs participating in the 2014/15 UEFA Europa League have been referred to the CFCB Adjudicatory Chamber, due to breaches of the monitoring requirements," read a UEFA statement.
"In particular, important overdue payables towards other clubs, employees and social and tax authorities as of 30 June and 30 September 2014.
"The CFCB's final decisions are expected to be taken by the Adjudicatory Chamber before the end of the year."
news_articleFri, 21 Nov 2014 21:08:59 +0000291375 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comBernstein calls for World Cup boycott from UEFAFormer Football Association chairman David Bernstein has called on UEFA to boycott the 2018 World Cup unless there are changes within FIFA.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/bernstein-calls-world-cup-boycott-uefa
World football's governing body have come under increased scrutiny in the last week after controversy around a FIFA Ethics Committee report into the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 competitions.
Published by Hans-Joachim Eckert, the chairman of the adjudicatory chamber of the committee, the report cleared Qatar and Russia of any wrongdoings, claiming "various incidents which might have occurred are not suited to compromise the integrity of the FIFA World Cup 2018/2022 bidding process as a whole".
That saw former United States attorney Michael Garcia, who led the investigation, to claim the report was an "erroneous representations of his facts" and appeal the findings.
Bernstein believes FIFA must now undergo major reform to restore confidence, and UEFA's members should consider taking a drastic stance if that does not happen.
"England on its own cannot influence this - one country can't do it. If we tried to do something like that we'd be laughed at," he told BBC Sport.
"I think England within UEFA undoubtedly have the power to influence FIFA, but to do so they would have to consider withdrawing from the World Cup, the next World Cup, unless proper reform - including Mr Blatter not standing [for a fifth term as president] - is carried out at FIFA.
"If I was at the FA now, I would do everything I could to encourage other nations within UEFA - and there are some who would definitely be on side, others may be not - to take this line.
"At some stage you have to walk the talk, stop talking and do something.
"It sounds drastic but frankly this has gone on for years now, it's not improving, it's going from bad to worse to worse.
"There are 54 countries within UEFA. There's Germany, Spain, Italy, France and Holland - all powerful. You can't hold a serious World Cup without them. They have the power to influence if they have the will.
"I think it would be supported by responsible people in this country and actually by the public, because although the public of course want to see England play in the World Cup, I'm sure they would be prepared to take a degree of sacrifice to see that happen."
news_articleMon, 17 Nov 2014 11:06:13 +0000288670 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comWorld Cup furore could lead to UEFA divorceFIFAs decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar could prompt a UEFA breakaway, a prominent investigative journalist has claimed.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/world-cup-furore-could-lead-uefa-divorce
Awarding Qatar the showpiece was met with particular criticism over alleged corruption and staging the tournament in the country's extreme weather conditions.
However, a report of an investigation into the process - published by Hans-Joachim Eckert, chairman of the adjudicatory chamber of FIFA's independent Ethics Committee, on Thursday - cleared Qatar of any wrongdoing, seemingly ending the possibility of the bidding process being restarted.
FIFA's overall findings on former United States attorney Michael Garcia's inquiry claimed that "the various incidents which might have occurred are not suited to compromise the integrity of the FIFA World Cup 2018/2022 bidding process as a whole".
Andrew Jennings has long investigated goings-on at FIFA HQ, publishing books and producing documentaries on the subject.
Though he maintains hosting the tournament in Qatar remains totally unfeasible, Jennings predicts a forced staging in the Gulf state could have far-reaching consequences.
"If Blatter doesn't get out of Qatar soon and can't find a way out then UEFA will break away because European football isn't going to accept a two-month suspension in the middle of the season," he told Perform.
"It's like a divorce.
"Because we will not - in England, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Holland or Belgium - stand for a November-December shutdown.
"Go tell the TV networks, whoever is running Sky in 2022 there's going to be no good football on television -it's not going to happen.
"Tell all the staff at these clubs who are going to get laid off with no money for eight weeks. How will the clubs pay the wages of players who are not in the World Cup and are sat around? It's all a fantasy.
"The Premier League won't stand for it but they'll just wait for it all to fizzle away, it's all been a waste of our time and it still is.
"Just think: Who's going to Qatar? Fans? No. Footballers? No. Sponsors? No. Networks? No Leagues? No."
news_articleFri, 14 Nov 2014 08:09:11 +0000286887 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comNo regrets for Platini over Qatar 2022 voteUEFA president Michel Platini maintains he has no regrets over voting for Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/no-regrets-platini-over-qatar-vote
The decision to award the eventto Qatar, made in 2010,has attracted plenty of criticism and controversy for a host of reasons, including the timingof when the tournamentwill take place.
While Qatar's bidding group remains confident the competition can take place in the traditional June/July slot, the stifling heat players and fans will face has led to a FIFA taskforce proposing a number of alternatives.
January/February 2022 andNovember/December 2022 are set to be proposed- withMay also a potential option - after Platini explained on Wednesday that moving the UEFA Champions League's latter stages could be possible to accomodate the World Cup.
Despite the criticism, which has included opposition from the European Club Association and FIFPro, Platini does not regret voting for Qatar.
"It is not regrettable for me. I don't regret to have voted for Qatar," he told BBC Sport.
"[I]say it is nice to go to winter but I said that before to Qatar.
"I said two things. I said it will be very nice if we can play in winter in Qatar and if it's not only in Qatar but if we have some games in the gulf - Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait City.
"But it is not regrettable that I voted for Qatar."
Platini also reaffirmed his belief that the competition will take place in the cooler months, adding:"It will never be in April, May or June. It will be in winter.
"[Big European clubs] like [April and May] but they are not convinced it is a good moment. They will follow the decision."
news_articleThu, 06 Nov 2014 10:01:24 +0000282131 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comUEFA President Platini demands CAF apologyMichel Platini has demanded an apology from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over claims he interfered in its affairs.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/platini-demands-caf-apology
UEFA president Platini questioned whetherthe Africa Cup of Nations, which is set to take place between January and February next year, should be deferred during a televised debate on Sunday due to the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa.
In response CAF issued a strongly worded statement on Tuesday that criticisedPlatini as they felt he was calling for the tournament to be postponed.
Platini has hit back at CAF in a letter to its president Issa Hayatou and insists he was misinterpreted and did not suggest the tournament should be delayed.
"At no point did I interfere in any way in the affairs of CAF, and at no point did I call for or support the postponement of the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations," Platini wrotein the letter.
"I clearly stressed on three occasions during that interview that it was up to you and the CAF to take the decisions that you considered most appropriate. I could not have been clearer on that point.
"Given this irrefutable evidence, it is clear that your statement is based on inaccurate information that has been reported to you. I therefore consider your statement to be unfair, unwarranted and even insulting.
"I have attended a great many Africa Cups of Nations at your side.You know my love of Africa, the African people and African football and that is why this CAF statement has upset and hurt me so much.
"I now expect an immediate retraction of the statement in question, as well as a formal apology from the author of that statement. Otherwise, I will react accordingly."
news_articleWed, 22 Oct 2014 19:13:23 +0000273188 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comCAF hits out at UEFA President PlatiniThe Confederation of African Football (CAF) has slammed UEFA president Michel Platini for interefering in its affairs.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/caf-hits-out-platini
During a televised debate on Sunday, Platini questioned whether the Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to be held between January 17 and February 8 next year, should be deferred due to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
CAF,yet to confirm where the tournament will be held after plannedhosts Morocco requested a postponement,hasurged Platini to concentrate on his own affairs.
A statement from CAF on Wednesday read: "In a televised broadcast on the evening of Sunday, 19 October 2014, the President of the Union of European Football Association (UEFA), Michel Platini, found it necessary to question maintaining the scheduled date of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2015.
"The issue has been debated and has been in the public domain the last few days following a request for postponement by the Kingdom of Morocco due to the Ebola outbreak.
"CAF, under the leadership of its President, Issa Hayatou, has always promoted free expression within it. Far from it therefore, [can it] claim to deprive anyone latitude to express themselves.
"But we must beware of what appears in every way as interference by a president of a confederation, in cases involving first and foremost Africa and CAF."
CAF went on to highlight its own decision not to comment on recent topics of discussionin European football.
"Under the principle of non-interference required to comply, CAF has refrained so far to comment on some issues on the managing of European football or any other continent," the statement continued.
"Despite the risks involved in armed conflict in Ukraine, a country where a civilian plane was shot down killing nearly 300 people, UEFA did not consider it necessary to exclude Ukrainian clubs from its competitions as a security parameter by hosting games outside this nation, as treacherously raised once it is about Africa.
"CAF hereby reaffirm the importance it attaches to respect of its sovereignty and does not intend to let anyone interfere in the management of its affairs."
news_articleWed, 22 Oct 2014 07:50:15 +0000272915 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comTop 10: Magic moments from Lionel Messi since his Barcelona debutCronan Yu gives a rundown of the top 10 Lionel Messi moments since the Argentine whiz-kid made his debut 10 years ago...Cronan Yuhttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/top-10-lionel-messi-moments-his-barcelona-debut
It’s been 10 years since a fresh-faced Lionel Messi, aged 17 years and 114 days, first made his competitive debut.
At that stage largely unknown to the wider football fraternity, the long-haired starlet came off the bench to replace Deco against Espanyol wearing the No.30 shirt. It was October 16 2004, and he hasn’t looked back since.
The 27-year-old has been touted as the ‘best ever’, let alone the best of his generation. His vast array of personal accolades clearly do justice to such claims.
Since his debut, Messi has made 434 appearances in Barcelona colours, scored 361 goals and been presented with dozens of personal accolades, most notably four consecutive Ballon d’Ors and three Pichichi trophies for finishing as top goalscorer in La Liga.
Messi's litany of individual achievements may be impressive, but it's the 21 honours he has helped his club collect - including six La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns - which will see him become a legend of the game.
The last 12 months may not have been his finest on or off the pitch, but with many years ahead of him, there will surely be plenty more magic and success to come.
And with that, FourFourTwo recalls the top 10 moments which have come to define Messi’s illustrious career.
1st May 2005: First Barcelona goal
Despite making his debut back in October of 2004, it wasn’t until May 2005 that Messi finally found the back of the net, in a match against Albacete. As fate would have it, Messi’s mentor Ronaldinho would be the provider.
After controlling a lofted pass up the left flank, Messi fed the ball back to Ronaldinho, who coolly brought it under control before chipping it over the defence back to the Argentine who, in turn, chipped the goalkeeper.
Barca's new starlet later paid tribute to coach Frank Rijkaard: “I'll never forget the fact that he launched my career, that he had confidence in me while I was only 16 or 17." His first goal made Messi the youngest Barcelona player to score in a competitive match, a record later broken by Bojan Krkic.
Messi’s 'Hand of God'
Lightning quick and fleet of foot, it's no wonder many were soon comparing Messi to the great Diego Maradona (the fact he wore the No.10 shirt for Argentina helped, too...). But it wasn't just the positive aspects of the World Cup winner’s game that were reflected in the new Argentine prodigy’s style.
Messi’s ‘goal’ against Espanyol in 2007 was eerily reminiscent of Maradona’s 'Hand of God' goal in the 1986 World Cup which infamously saw Argentina progress at the expense of England.
The goal is by no means one of his best, but it showed Messi's innate ability to replicate Maradona's on-field antics, and it wouldn't be the last time either...
“Messidona”
Speaking of replicating Maradona, if Messi's goal against Espanyol indicated his ability to copy Maradona's skullduggery, then this 2007 goal against Getafe showed his ability to ape Maradona's genius.
Having received the ball from the right-flank just behind the halfway mark, Messi somehow managed to nutmeg two defenders before making his way towards the box, evading challenges from another two defenders and rounding the goalkeeper to score from a tight angle - a goal almost identical to Maradona's second against England in 1986.
Truth be told, a great number of Messi’s goals are remarkable. But if there was ever to be a list ranking his best ever goals, this one would be right at the top.
March 10 2007: First hat-trick
Messi was 19-years-old when he scored his first hat-trick. The occasion itself couldn’t have been greater. Playing in a home Clasico against Real Madrid, Messi was forced - not for the first time - to carry the team on his shoulders. He showed he was up to the task in phenomenal fashion, scoring every time Barcelona fell behind to salvage a draw.
It was to be the first of many hat-tricks for the Barcelona ace.
Scoring in the Champions League final
With Manchester United meeting Barcelona in the 2009 Champions League final in Rome, the match had Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo written all over it.
Both players were widely regarded as the best players of a generation, and both were vying for the Ballon d’Or. A Champions League crown would go a long way to settling the seemingly perennial debate (for a few months, at least).
On the day, though, it was all Messi. Not normally known for his prowess in the air, the diminutive attacker rose high to head home Xavi's perfect cross past Edwin Van der Sar. The manner of the goal itself was significant as Messi had often received criticism for his lack of headed goals. Barcelona were crowned European champions.
Messi puts four past Arsenal
Barcelona were a goal down against Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League 2009/10 and things were looking increasingly bleak by the minute.
True to form though, Messi stepped up when he was most needed. He pulled one back from a blistering strike from outside the box past Manuel Alumnia in the 21st minute before scoring a second in the 37th minute from a Pedro layoff.
By half-time, the match had well and truly turned in Barcelona’s favour, with Messi chipping Alumnia in the 41st minute before netting a fourth goal in the dying moments of the match to seal a famous victory. A truly memorable performance.
Barcelona rout Real Madrid 5-0
Although Messi was not on the scoresheet in this November 2010 rout, in many respects this was one of his most memorable performances. His selflessness saw him set up David Villa for both the Spaniard's goals, and the Argentine played an integral part as Barcelona romped to a famous victory. He also managed to outshine Ronaldo yet again. Unfortunately for Messi, he didn’t have a goal to show for it. But the manner of the win made it one of his most remarkable games.
Messi mauls Real Madrid again
A seminal moment in the history of this famous rivalry. In the April and May of 2011, Barcelona met Real Madrid four times in 17 days, facing off in La Liga, the Copa del Rey final and the Champions League semi-finals. Real Madrid had won the cup and looked as though they might be on their way to La Decima - a coveted 10th European title. Messi had other ideas.
Barcelona's main man scored twice in the first leg, played at the Bernabeu, to put the ball firmly in his side's court. His first goal came about when Ibrahim Afellay ran past Marcelo down the right flank and Messi scored from the cross from close range. The second goal, though, was a reflection of Messi at his peak. After taking the ball off Sergio Busquets, Messi proceeded on an astounding run past Madrid’s centre-back pair before caressing the ball past Iker Casillas. Pure magic, and Real Madrid were effectively out.
86th goal in a calendar year
1972 was the year German legend Gerd Muller set the record for the most goals in a calendar year. December 9 2012 was the day that record was eclipsed.
After receiving the ball on the edge of the box, Messi proceeded to cut inside with his left foot and dribble wide to the left side of the box before firing a low-angled shot passed the helpless Real Betis custodian Casto. A record which had stood for 40 years was finally broken.
Muller later commented: “My record stood for 40 years – 85 goals in a year – and now the best player in the world has broken it, and I’m delighted for him. He is an incredible player, gigantic.” Messi would end the year with 91 goals.
Fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or
As a result of his 91 goals in the calendar year, Messi broke another record, previously held by Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo by claiming a fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or title.
He did so by gaining 41.6% of votes comprised of journalists and other football personalities, beating Cristiano Ronaldo (who else), who gained 23.68% of the vote.
"To tell the truth, this is really unbelievable to get the fourth award,” said Messi after claiming the award. Legendary status achieved.
featureFri, 17 Oct 2014 16:20:06 +0000Jonathan Fadugba269808 at http://www.fourfourtwo.com